Liz's lover Arun Nayar shops for wedding gift?

Arun is looking for an Indian ensemble for his bride-to-be, writes Khalid M Ansari.

indiaUpdated: Jul 20, 2003 16:34 IST

Khalid M Ansari PTI

While Bollywood stars may have deserted the India Fashion Week, the country's premiere fashion event can draw some comfort from its Hollywood connection - no matter how tenuous.

Arun Nayar, playboy Indian millionaire who tabloids say could marry actress Liz Hurley in February next year, was at the National Center for Performing Arts on Saturday. And he is looking for an exquisitely Indian ensemble for his bride-to-be, Arun admitted in an exclusive chat with HindustanTimes.com.

"I am here as a guest of Malini (Ramani) who is a dear friend. She wanted me to have a look at her latest line of Indo-western fusion wear. But then one needs so little excuse to come to India - it's the greatest place to rejuvenate your body and mind", he says.

And sharing his passion for all things Indian is Liz, claims Nayar. "She feels more strongly about my roots than I do. For her it's a process of discovery. Already there are five things about India that fascinate her - clothes, cuisine, cultural diversity, spirituality and the Indian heart. Probably that is why Liz also counts me among her list of favourite things", quips the suave businessman who has reportedly offered his Italian-born wife Valentina an undisclosed sum of money to grant a quickie divorce.

The power couple, who are on the top of 'Tatler' magazine's list of 'Most Invited' people in Britain, were supposed to make the trip to India together. A last minute engagement however kept the 'Bedazzled' star from accompanying her paramour to his hometown.

But Nayar has every intention of making it up to Liz. According to him: "I am looking for suggestions from my designer friends. Malini's silhouettes are no doubt gorgeous but Liz likes something more ethnic. Ritu Kumar's new line may just fit the bill."

For those disappointed at not seeing the 'Desi babu with the English mem', there is some good news in the offing. Liz, 36, and Arun, 37, have plans to keep their Indian date.

"Pretty soon, if all goes well, we would love to spend some time together in the country's interiors, much of which still lies unexplored", says Nayar.